Noted for attracting wildlife, Wild Carrot is frost-tender biennial.
This species is the parent of the cultivated carrot. It can act as an alternative host for pests and diseases of the cultivated carrots.
A good plant for the summer meadow, it is a food plant for caterpillars of the Swallow-tail Butterfly. Attracts butterflies.
Suitable for cut flowers.
The whole plant, when bruised, gives off an aniseed-like scent. It has many herbal uses.
Prefers a sunny position and a well-drained neutral to alkaline soil.
Sow August/September or April in situ. The seed germinates better if it is given a period of cold stratification.
Edible uses:
The flower clusters can be french-fried to produce a carrot-flavoured gourmet's delight.
The root, though thin & stringy, can be roasted.
Aromatic seeds can be used to flavour stews etc.